Wagga cyclists win the Madison

The 96 lap track race involves a sprint every six laps, requiring tactics, speed and endurance.

While Powell and Stewart were ahead of the pack from the start, they certainly weren’t devoid of challengers.

Tolland cycle club rider Peter Treloar gave Stewart a run for his money in the sprint.

“In one of the sprints he just got me, he’s a pretty strong rider,” Stewart said.

It was a case of third time lucky for Powell and Stewart have been vying to win the coveted Madison race three years, coming third in 2013 and second in 2014.

“This year we wanted to win it,” Stewart said.

Defending champions from Albury Brendan Washington and Steve Kilpatrick split up and didn’t get a look in this year.

Stewart and Powell, were slightly older and fitter this time around.

“We were faster, stronger, and a bit more experience riding the Madison,” Stewart said.

Not everything went to plan; Powell was thrown into the sprints a couple of times, but they managed to retain the lead.

In preparation for the Wagga Madison the boys raced in the Bathurst equivalent over a month ago.

“We were up against a couple of world champions, it was good doing that,” Stewart said.

Stewart’s pleased with his form, having recovered from a crash which resulted in a shoulder injury and time off the bike.

“My fitness is back and the shoulders are all good now.”

Meantime, the Wagga Cycling Club has inherited another bike, a kind donation from The Bike Doctor in Sydney following the theft of 14 kids track bikes worth $1,000 each.

Club representatives have been overwhelmed by the “incredible gesture.”

Results